20th January 2019 FREE guided tour of historical Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only 5 Holy Cities in the world, due to the presence of part of the lignum crucis, the Holy Cross of Christ, which is contained within a reliquery in the basilica.

Because of its religious importance, a number of imposing churches and monuments were built, some of which can be visited as part of this guided route.

These tours last about an hour and half and start in front of the Castillo y Basílica de la Vera Cruz ( the Castle and Basilica in which the Holy Cross of Caravaca is displayed) at 11.00 and are in SPANISH.

Please note, this is a highly visual tour and there are often other participants who do speak English. There are leaflets available in English from the Tourist office and information boards are available in both languages.

The route winds downhill through the mediaeval quarter to the atmospheric Plaza del Arco, passing the Iglesia de El Salvador, Calle Mayor and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. From here the visit continues through into the old quarter of the town to visit the Plaza del Hoyo, and concludes in the Plaza del Templete, where the Holy Cross of Caravaca is bathed during the May Fiestas, visiting noble houses and the "palacetes" occupied by the nobility of Caravaca during its most important period of religious occupation and the important religious buildings founded by the orders in the city.

There is plenty of information about Caravaca de la Cruz in the dedicated section, accessed via the map box at the bottom of every page, with history of the town, and information about the locations to visit, and the tourist office can help with accommodation if requested.

If this is your first visit to Caravaca de la Cruz, the parking information may be useful, as it can be difficult to park in the old quarter, and those unfamiliar with the area may prefer to park on the edge of the old quarter, pick up a map from the tourist information office and then walk up to the castle. This takes around 15 minutes from the edge of the old quarter and is uphill, so wear flat shoes.

Please note, if your required date is not in the list below, then the route is generally fully booked. In this case, contact the tourist office to join the waiting list as there are often cancellations, or book an alternative date.